Relates to appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards

BILL NUMBER:S1186B

Title of bill

An act to amend the state finance law and the energy law, in relation to appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to require that consumer audio and video products purchased by or for state agencies meet certain environmental assessment criteria, and to amend energy efficiency standards for consumer audio and video products.

Summary of provisions

This bill amends the state finance law by adding a new subdivision 9 to section 165 and by amending paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of section 16-106 of the energy law as added by chapter 431 of the laws of 2005.

Justification

This measure would establish a new standard for the procurement of consumer audio and video products purchase for use by state agencies based on environmental attributes. By applying an evaluation tool currently used by the federal government (Executive Order 13423/Strengthening. Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management), such products could be evaluated for performance characteristics, including:

Reduction/Elimination of environmentally sensitive materials, Materials selection, Design for end of life, Life cycle extension, Energy conservation, End of life management, Corporate performance, and Packaging

The legislation would require that 95Ö/b of state purchases of audio and video products meet the gold EPEAT standard.

The bill would also amend a provision of the Energy Law enacted in 2005 relating to the authority of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop energy consumption standards for a list of products, including:

Televisions, Compact audio products, DVD players, DVD recorders, and Digital television adapters

The 2005 law required the Department of State to adopt these regulations by June 30, 2006. To date, the regulations have not yet been adopted. Recognizing that there have been developments in these technologies since the enactment of the law in 2005, this legislation directed the Department of State, in consultation with NYSERDA, to study and recommend potential energy performance standards and extends the deadline for adopting such standards to on or before January 1, 2014

Legislative history

S.5051 (2011-2012) A.11708 (2008)

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on immediately; provided, however, that no energy efficiency performance standard shall become effective for a product less than 180 days after such energy efficiency performance standard shall become final.